Nemeth departs M-TEC

Latuszek acting provost

March 24, 2004

ROSCOMMON - Katherine Nemeth, who began teaching at Kirtland as a full-time nursing instructor in 1977 and rose to the position of provost, has applied for a sabbatical through 2004 in order to complete her doctoral dissertation in public administration.

In the latest of five distinct roles in a 25-year career at the college, Nemeth oversaw the construction of the $5.2-million M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord, which opened in January 2002 and offers a wide-ranging curriculum of more than 400 career and technical courses. To date, it has exceeded every performance goal in terms of enrollment and businesses served, said Kirtland officials.

"We're talking about a tremendously creative accomplishment," Kirtland President Dr. Charles Rorie said. "Not only do we have an outstanding facility in Gaylord, but our programs and curriculum there are second to none. Under Katherine's leadership, the M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord has become a national model."

Nemeth's sabbatical is subject to approval by the board of trustees. In her absence, associate dean Doty Latuszek will serve as acting provost, Rorie said.

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"I really need to finish the dissertation," Nemeth said, noting that its subject involves growth in enrollment at community colleges.

Her career at Kirtland began in the late 1970s as a full-time instructor of nursing. She later served the college as director of health occupations, dean of business, vice president of operations and, ultimately, provost, a vice-presidential level position that took her to Gaylord when citizens of Otsego County were looking for a college partner to develop an M-TEC for the region.

"M-TEC was the culmination, bringing me the opportunity to use all the knowledge I've gained throughout my career here in operations and instruction," Nemeth said. "I think it was the perfect use of my talents."

As for her future beyond her sabbatical, Nemeth said she feels a sense of excitement. "It certainly opens up more career opportunities."

She already has entered one of those doors. While completing her dissertation, Nemeth will serve as a consultant to Glenn Wilson, chairman and chief executive officer of M-33 Access, a high-speed Internet service provider recognized for operating the largest consecutive wireless Internet grid in North America.

"I have been proud to have a part in the development of this excellent addition to our college," he said. "While the M-TEC still has more growth ahead, the remarkable FLEX curriculum (open entry, open exit delivery system) now available there to residents throughout northern Michigan makes our program offerings fully comprehensive.

"Few larger community colleges can match the breadth of opportunities now available from our 'college in the woods' and its northern facility. We are definitely in Gaylord for the long haul and glad to be there," he concluded.